‘WAPPINGER VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY’ SIGNS UNVEILED

WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY – As part of the ‘Wappinger Heroes Weekend,’ Senator Sue Serino joined Town Officials as they unveiled the new signs designating the portion of State Route 9 in the Town of Wappinger as the ‘Wappinger Veterans Memorial Highway.’ The designation came after a push by town officials and the Wappinger Veterans Advisory Committee resulted in legislation being sponsored and passed by Senator Serino and Assemblyman Lalor in June 2020.

“This dedication is a great example of all that can be accomplished when our neighbors come together, and all levels of government work together, to support a great cause,” said Senator Sue Serino. “Words are hardly enough to express the depth of our gratitude to our vets for the sacrifices they have made for our country, and those they continue to make for our local community. By designating this portion of Route 9—the most traveled stretch of road in the Town—the ‘Wappinger Veterans Memorial Highway,’ we hope to send a clear message to our veterans that they will forever have a grateful community behind them. We thank our servicemen and women for all that they have done, and all they continue to do for our country and our community each and every day.”

"I had the honor of working with Senator Sue Serino and the Town of Wappinger on the bill to name a portion of Route 9 in honor of Wappinger veterans.  We are so fortunate that many members of our community have served our nation and it is appropriate to see such a busy road named in their honor.  People will remember the veterans of Wappinger while going about their daily lives on Route 9.  This small act of recognition lets our veterans know that our community appreciates their service and sacrifice," said Assemblyman Kieran Lalor, 105^th Assembly District.

Town of Wappinger Supervisor Richard Thurston said, “The Town of Wappinger is elated to officially dedicate Route 9 through town as the Wappinger Veterans Memorial Highway. Our administration is committed to the ongoing recognition and support given to our veterans. Our Wappinger Veterans Advisory Group is working diligently to create events and lasting memorials to show appreciation and honor those who have fought to protect our freedoms. Special thanks to Deputy Supervisor Kevin Hathorn and Randy Ross for their efforts to bring this dream to reality. We deeply appreciate the support and efforts of Senator Serino and Assemblyman Lalor in advocating to pass legislation to allow for this important dedication."

Kevin Hathorn, Navy Veteran and Town of Wappinger Deputy Supervisor said, “Dick Thurston, Randy Ross and myself represent the “highway signs” committee. Our reasoning is not only to honor veterans who reside in the town of Wappinger, but to raise the spirits of those passing through the Town of Wappinger while using Route 9.”

“Dedicating the sign and renaming the Highway for our veterans has capped a Heroes Weekend for the town of Wappinger. Our Veterans Advisory Group advocates for and assists area veterans, active military and their families. We thank Senator Serino and her staff in helping to make our 5k run and sign dedication a success,” said Randy Ross, VP Wappinger Veterans Advisory Group.

The ‘Wappinger Veterans Memorial Highway’ signs will be placed on State Route 9 South over the Wappinger Lake and State Route 9 North on the border of the Town of Wappinger and Fishkill.

Senator Serino and Assemblyman Lalor introduced the legislation at the request of Town of Wappinger Town Board, and was signed into law on Veterans Day, November 11, 2020.

-30-